Council 4

Lucius clapped his hands, grabbing everyone's attention. "We will now do a preliminary vote to see the sentiment right now. So everyone who is in favor of Teo Amanar officially becoming an S-rank hunter"

As he looked around the chamber, he saw that about half of the members raised their hands, including himself and the vice president.

Taking note of some important figures, he started. "Now, Miss Yerachmiel, Mitsuru, and Uxesse, the ones that are in favor of him becoming an S-rank hunter, will explain their viewpoints, and then Mr. Grigori, Matsui, and Bengrolon will explain why they are against it," saying that he stepped aside to let the three make their speeches.

As the three stood at the center of the room, Malika Yerachmiel cleared her throat. "The reason I agree with Teo becoming an S-rank hunter is. Even though he has a bad reputation and image right now, that is something we can fix by working on it," saying that she looked around the room and winked at Selene.

"But the combat prowess to become an S-rank is very rare; right now there are not even twenty S-rankers in the world, so that is something we can't change."

An older man wearing a black suit looked sternly at Malika and cleared his throat while raising his hand.

Malika could only sigh when she saw who it was that had raised his hand. "Yes, what is it, Madiyar?" she remarked, rolling her eyes.

"Miss. Malika Even though you say that according to my data, he has been a part of the association for more than ten years at this point, and his behavior hasn't changed a single bit." as he pushed back his chair and stood up, the fluidity of the motion matching the unwavering conviction of his voice, commanding the room's attention.

"And now you say that we will be able to change his reputation and public image. How are you going to do that? He clearly doesn't have it in him to change. Are you just going to lie? If that's the plan, I advise you against it; the hunters in the association will surely reveal the truth to the public." After finishing his speech, he looked around haughtily, his head held high.

Malika looked at Selene for an explanation, as she had no defense against Madiyar's critique; he had a point. Teo had been in the association for a long time. Even though he is still young, he hasn't changed a bit.

Selene stepped forward again, grabbing everyone's attention. "Excuse me, I will answer in Miss Yerachmiel's stead." She interrupted, bowing politely. "You make a good point, and that is a valid concern, but saying there has been no change feels a bit misleading. He did change maybe not his attitude but his reputation among hunters became a lot more favorable." She explained, showing the hunter's statements on the projectors again.

"As you can see, in the beginning he was hated and feared for his reckless and battle-loving personality. But now he is more respected, and while he is still feared, they know he won't just attack other hunters or civilians with no reason."

Madiyar looked around to see all the council members their reactions, and he felt like they were starting to see more value in appointing Teo as an S-rank hunter than leaving him at A-rank.

He snorted, "That makes sense, but what if they lightly annoy him or get in his way? Can he stop himself from doing anything then?" he inquired.

"That is something we are still working on; there have been incidents like that in the past, but those relate mostly to his family, the Amanars." That is of course no excuse, so if it is decided that he will become an S-rank, I will make sure to educate him and the extermination squad as well. We will not let anything happen." She stated resolutely.

Madiyar looked around with a slight grin on his face; clearing his throat, he started. "That is unacceptable; an S-rank hunter is a symbol of power. They cannot do something as outrageous as that. If that comes out, with his reputation, I cannot see the other nations accepting him becoming an S-rank. Instead why don't we just keep him A-rank and make him do S-rank work? saying that he looked around the chamber again.

The room filled with murmurs; some were surprised by how audacious he had become. And others were horrified, bracing themselves for what was about to come, but before they could.

A dreadful aura filled the room; everyone had shivers running down their spine, and Madiyar had it the worst as the pressure was focused on him. He fell to his knees, gasping for air, his complexion paling rapidly.

"Madiyar, what did you just say?" Lucius demanded, as he floated in the middle of the room, his earlier charisma gone, replaced by a dreadful aura. His form had shifted from a normal human to a true demon.

His body covered in pitch-black skin, two majestic pitch-black wings on his back. And on his head there were two golden horns.

Gasps filled the room; everyone was taken aback. On the opposite side of the room, a young man felt like he could pass out at any moment.

"When was the last time Lucius showed that form?" he mumbled, still gasping for air.

"I think it was with the great purge," an older man slowly responded.

The younger man quickly shut himself up and focused on trying to withstand Lucius's rage. But then he felt his body break free of a part of the dreadful aura.

He bowed politely to the older man, even though he had no idea how he was so strong now; it was not the time to think about that. Turning back to Lucius and Madiyar, he kept quiet and observed the situation.

As Madiyar was coughing uncontrollably, trying to steady his breathing, the pressure was so intense. His skin had become white, and he was on the verge of losing consciousness. Then he suddenly felt the pressure lessen significantly.

Sighing in relief, he was about to stand up and answer Lucius; however, Lucius was having none of it.

Appearing right before Madiyar, he grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up in the air, looking him straight in the eyes.

He spoke through gritted teeth, each letter carved out with precision that made his anger feel like a tangible force. "What did you just say, Madiyar! I dare you to say that once more!"